In Iraqi Kurdistan, there are hundreds of stray cats and dogs roaming the streets. Despite the cultural challenges a group of young Kurdish people is getting together to try and help sick, wounded or deserted animals.

In 2016 Iraqis dealt with many of the same things they did in 2015: Political problems, protests, violence, tragedy and fighting. But there were also lighter moments and on the whole, Iraqis became more hopeful.

In southern Iraq, singer-poets who are paid to sing the praises of honourees at weddings, funerals and other events are becoming as popular as your average pop star. But behind the trend lurk some worrying tribal trends.